Some teeth are larger than others, while some are smaller. Some have different shapes, and some are less aligned than others. But what causes misaligned teeth?
Misaligned teeth are common in both children and adults, and you don’t need to straighten your teeth if you don’t feel like it; they are unique and can add charm and personality to your smile.
However, if they make you unhappy or are already affecting your health and speech, it’s best to consult a dentist or orthodontist to have them straightened.
Causes of Crooked Teeth
Some of the causes of crooked teeth include:
Genetics
Genetics can cause crooked teeth. Conditions like crowding, jaw size, jaw structure, hyperdontia, overbites, underbites, and poor tooth or palate development may be passed down in your family.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene leads to gum diseases, which eventually cause tooth loss that makes the rest of your teeth shift and crooked. The Oral Health Hygienists Association of South Africa (OHASA) states that three out of four adults over 35 have gum problems. Leaving gum problems untreated may lead to periodontitis that causes tooth loss, shifting, and loose teeth.
Premature Baby Tooth Loss
Losing your baby teeth earlier than you should allow other teeth to shift into the area of your lost tooth. This can crowd the permanent teeth that will eventually grow in the space.
Thumb Sucking
Your teeth might grow crooked if you used to have a habit of sucking on your thumb or toys when you were a toddler.
Tongue Thrust
Pressing your tongue against your teeth instead of pressing it against the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth results in crooked teeth over time.
Malnutrition
Consuming enough nutrients is essential for developing your muscles, bones, tissues, and other organs. Malnutrition or insufficient consumption of nutrients your body needs may lead to crooked teeth and other health problems.
Mouth Breathing
Tooth alignment is also affected by breathing through your mouth as a child.
Trauma
Sports injuries and other accidents can misalign your teeth.
Risks of Crooked Teeth
Sometimes, crooked teeth can negatively impact your quality of living. Misaligned teeth may cause pain when you eat and affect your ability to chew. It may also make you feel embarrassed and avoid social situations.
Crooked teeth can also cause health problems like:
- Periodontal disease – Crooked teeth are difficult to clean, leading to tooth decay or gum disease. If not treated, gum disease can lead to periodontitis, which can cause serious damage to the teeth and bones.
- Chewing and digestion – Tooth problems also affect proper chewing.
- Excessive wear – Crooked or crooked teeth can wear the tissues supporting your teeth down, leading to cracked teeth, temporomandibular joint disorders, and jaw strain.
Is It Beneficial To Have Straight Teeth?
According to sunrise-dentistry.com, teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, and better oral hygiene reduces your chances of developing periodontal diseases and cavities. It also allows your gums to provide better support for your teeth because they are not overlapping. Your teeth will fit better and are less likely to chip, break, or wear away without stressing your jaw.
How Are Crooked Teeth Straightened?
You should discuss your options if you feel that straightening your crooked teeth is best for you. Some of your options for straightening teeth include:
Braces
People are more familiar with traditional braces, metal brackets, rubber bands, and wires. They’ve been around for a while and continue to be the most effective way to straighten teeth. However, their components and aesthetics make oral hygiene more challenging and require more visits to the dentist, making some people choose clear aligners instead.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional metal braces because they are discreet and easier to remove. You also get several that could last a few months when you order them custom-made.
Clear aligners help align your teeth properly by changing them at regular intervals; According to the American Association of Orthodontists, you should change your clear aligners every one to three weeks. Treatments may last for nine months or more, depending on how much realignment your teeth need.
You must note that the American Dental Association does not recommend getting clear aligners from manufacturers involved in Do-It-Yourself orthodontic treatments. Teeth straightening is a medical procedure and should only be performed under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Teeth-straightening Surgery
You can also straighten your teeth surgically. Your orthodontist may recommend minor surgeries to position your bones and gums holding your teeth in place. Surgery may also reduce the time you’ll need to wear braces.
They may also recommend a more complex procedure called orthognathic surgery to realign your jaw. Orthodontists recommend this surgery for patients whose teeth affect their speech or chewing ability.
Key Takeaway
Crooked teeth are common in children and adults and are caused by conditions like genetics, poor oral hygiene, trauma, and early baby tooth loss. Habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting also cause crooked teeth.
Dentists and orthodontists straighten teeth in different ways. The most common teeth straightening procedure are braces, with clear aligners becoming better alternatives. Orthodontists may also recommend teeth-straightening surgery for patients with more severe crookedness.